Ananiya Tamene, Yehualashet Bayu and Anteneh Wondimu
Gastrointestinal parasites have an economic impact on equines due to treatment cost, reduction of productivity and work power. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 in and around Gondar town, northern Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasite infestation. Fecal samples, from 147 randomly selected equine (96 horses and 51 donkeys), were collected and examined with direct smear, flotation and sedimentation techniques. 135 equines were positive for gastrointestinal parasites with 91.8% prevalence, of which 94.1% and 90.6% prevalence was recorded in donkey and horse, respectively. Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites between horse and donkeys showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Fecal examination revealed 58.52% infection with Strongyles followed by mixed infection (27.41%) and Parascaris equorum (14.07%). Statistically significant difference was recorded in the occurrence of Strongyle spps between, donkey and horse (p<0.05), and purpose of keeping the equine (p<0.05). There was also statistically significant association in the prevalence of Parascaris equorum and purpose of keeping the equine (p<0.05). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites between age groups revealed statistically no significant difference (p>0.05). But, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was recorded between the sex; body condition and purpose of keeping equine. In the present study higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infestation was noticed in equines particularly with Strongyle spp. and Parascaris equorum. Therefore, strategic prevention and control of gastrointestinal parasite infestation is very crucial in current study area.
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